UNC-UK (12/3)

First half analysis- For the majority
of the half, Terrence Jones and John Henson stole the show. Much of
the hype surrounding this game centered around the teams' defensive
ability, particularly their shot blocking, but the offensive
maturation of Jones and Henson was impressive. Jones was crafty,
using up fakes to create opportunities, including a huge dunk over
both Henson and Tyler Zeller and a three-shot foul. Henson showed
tremendous progress on the offensive end. Once known as nothing more
than a big time dunker, Henson showed a variety of back to the basket
moves and an ability to step out and hit the mid-range jump shot. He
was also everything you've come to expect on the defensive end,
displaying perfect timing and the ability to affect or block every
shot in his vicinity. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist was quiet for the
majority of the half, but after picking up an apparent shoulder
injury, he really picked up his level of play. Kidd-Gilchrist
gathered several key offensive rebounds, including one on a missed
free throw, and was a real factor in transition.

Second half analysis- Kidd-Gilchrist
remained aggressive to start the second half, converting on two very
nice plays going to the basket. The first was a beautifully-executed
spin move in the lane past Harrison Barnes. The second was a strong
drive and an and-one finish. Anthony Davis also took a step forward
in the second half, converting on an alley-oop from Kidd-Gilchrist
and a tough layup in traffic. He also blocked two shots and kept
several plays alive with his length on the offensive glass. Davis
blocked a potential game-winning jump shot by Henson in the waning
seconds, rebounding the ball himself and making a great pass as the
Wildcats ran out the clock. On the other side, the Tar Heels were
really limited on the inside after halftime. Kentucky began doubling
Zeller on the catch, and he looked uncomfortable dealing with the
double team. Henson continued to impress with his improved footwork
and free throw shooting, as Harrison Barnes carried the much of the
load from the perimeter. In the end, these were two very equally
matched team, who played a wonderfully entertaining ballgame. They
could well end up playing each other again in New Orleans in early
April, should we all be so lucky.

Tyler Zeller- Good strength. Doesn't
show it aesthetically, but gets good position in the half court
offense and for put backs. Shows the ability to finish through
contact. Off the floor on the last defensive possession. 6.5/10

Harrison Barnes- Good technique and
range on his jump shot. A little unsound defensively. Needs to make
better decisions on the defensive end. Smart defender, underrated on
that end. 9/10

Kendall Marshall- Great size. Good
vision. Atrocious jump shot at times. Can make open three-pointers.
Great decision maker in the open floor. Very instinctive. Varies the
pace of his passes. Very impressive passer. 7.5/10

James Michael McAdoo- Good athlete.
Needs to let the game come to him. One spectacular rebound in the
first half. Really poor at the free throw line. Ugly jump shot. Great
energy on defense. Seems panicked with the ball in his hands. 4/10

PJ Hairston- Great jump shot. Really
quick release. 5/10

Kentucky-

Terrence Jones- Good handle for a man
of his size. Good up fake and great range. Tough to stop offensively.
Will be able to score at the next level. SMART offensive player.
Better athletically than he gets credit for. 8/10

Anthony Davis- Length is apparent every
possession on both ends. Several tremendous rebounds. Needs to add
strength. Allows opponent to get much too deep in the post. Seems
most comfortable setting high ball screens and flashing. More suited
as an NBA four? Good screener. Game changer on defense. 9/10

Marquis Teague- Quick in the open
floor. Nice ability to penetrate. Left his first two floaters short.
Shows a tendency to make bad decisions defensively. Quick trigger,
maybe too quick. 6/10

Doron Lamb- Disappeared for large
portion of the first half. Came alive in the second half. At his best
when he can penetrate to the basket. Loves the right wing. Not great
handle. 6/10

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist- Had a tough
time finishing in traffic in the first half. Flashes of phenomenal
ability, but needs seasoning and consistency. Great motor. Very good
offensive rebounder, especially for his size. Great in transition.
Two great finishes at the start of the second half. 8.5/10

John Henson- Drastically improved,
which says a lot about his work ethic. Fantastic footwork and
improved free throw stroke. Still a difference-maker on defense and
a great athlete. Has done himself a real service by returning for
his junior season.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist- Absolutely
tremendous potential. Vast skill set. Good length and offensive
ability, especially penetration. Took over the game for a solid
10-12 minute stretch. Experience will do him wonders.

Terrence Jones- Not necessarily a
complete player, but has a great offensive game. Combines size,
length, versatility, athleticism, and craftiness. Knows how to use
the pump fake to get his defender to commit. Will be a 12-15 ppg
scorer at the next level.

Kendall Marshall- Probably the
best point guard prospect in this class. Elite passer with great
instincts. Not a great scorer, but reminds a little of Jason Kidd.

Tyler Zeller- Stronger than he
might appear. Great size. Not very athletic and not overly
comfortable with the ball in his hands. Good passer, but struggles
out of the double team.

Doron Lamb- Good, not great
scorer. Doesn't have great handle. Undersized for the NBA two. What
will he do at the next level?

Marquis Teague- Good prospect, but
very raw. Needs to improve patience and decision making.

PJ Hairston- Can score the
basketball. What else can he do?

James Michael McAdoo- Not
comfortable with the speed at this level. Flashes of athleticism,
but very raw. Not getting consistent enough minutes to improve the
way he needs to. Not a one-and-done at this point.